Free Range Day at Ohio’s public shooting ranges slated Aug. 16

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife invites the public to enjoy Free Range Day at public shooting ranges Saturday, Aug. 16.

Free Range Day is held in coordination with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and will feature special events at two of Ohio’s premier public shooting ranges, according to an Aug. 8 news release from the ODNR Division of Wildlife (DOW).

Visit one of the following DOW public shooting ranges at no charge on Free Range Day to gain hands-on experience with firearms from certified instructors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.:

• Delaware Wildlife Area: 1110 state Route 229, Ashley
• Spring Valley Wildlife Area: 3570 Houston Road, Waynesville

On-site staff will provide equipment, ammunition, ear protection, and eye protection at those two locations, according to the release.

The shooting range permit requirement is waived on all DOW Class A, B, and C shooting ranges Aug. 16 during each range’s open hours.

A complete list of range facilities and the amenities offered at each can be found at wildohio.gov.

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Class A shooting ranges offer supervised rifle and pistol target shooting. Class B facilities offer unsupervised rifle and pistol target shooting, and Class C ranges host unsupervised clay target shotgun shooting.

Outside of Free Range Day, all persons 18 and older shooting on DOW Class A, B, or C ranges are required to purchase a shooting range permit, available at all hunting and fishing license outlets, via wildohio.gov, or on the HuntFish OH mobile app. Daily permits are available for $5, or an annual permit can be purchased for $24.

Free Range Day is offered in conjunction with the NSSF’s National Shooting Sports Month. DOW public shooting ranges provide comfortable, safe places to hone skills with rifles, shotguns, handguns, and archery equipment, according to the release.

Recreational target shooting is a popular sport with a significant economic impact. In 2022, Ohio’s estimated 1.1 million target shooters spent $2.6 billion on their hobby, supporting more than 22,000 jobs. bout 20% of Ohioans participate in target shooting each year, according to the release. Outdoor shooting ranges like the DOW’s public ranges were used by 71% of target shooters.